Bhagavad Gita BG 1.10
Chapter 1, Verse 10 — Meaning, Translation & Explanation
अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम् । पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषां बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम् ॥ १० ॥
aparyāptaṃ tad asmākaṃ balaṃ bhīṣmābhirakṣitam paryāptaṃ tv idam eteṣāṃ balaṃ bhīmābhirakṣitam
Meaning
Our army, protected by Bhishma, is unlimited; while their army, protected by Bhima, is limited.
Understanding
This verse is famously ambiguous. 'Aparyāptam' can mean either 'unlimited/immeasurable' or 'insufficient.' Many commentators read Duryodhana's words as an unintentional self-doubt: our forces protected by aged Bhishma may be insufficient, while their forces protected by vigorous Bhima may be adequate. Whether bravado or subconscious fear, Duryodhana's assessment reveals the anxiety underlying his bold front.
Word by Word
| Word | IAST | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अपर्याप्तम् | aparyāptam | unlimited / immeasurable (or: insufficient — ambiguous) |
| बलम् | balam | army / strength / force |
| भीष्माभिरक्षितम् | bhīṣmābhirakṣitam | protected by Bhishma |
| पर्याप्तम् | paryāptam | limited / sufficient (or: adequate — ambiguous) |
| भीमाभिरक्षितम् | bhīmābhirakṣitam | protected by Bhima |
| तत् | tat | that (our force) |
| अस्माकम् | asmākam | our / of our side |
| तु | tu | but / while (contrast) |
| इदम् | idam | this (their force) |
| एतेषाम् | eteṣām | of these / of them (Pandavas) |